1
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Li Z, Sun X. Epigenetic regulation in liver regeneration. Life Sci 2024; 353:122924. [PMID: 39038511 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
The liver is considered unique in its enormous capacity for regeneration and self-repair. In contrast to other regenerative organs (i.e., skin, skeletal muscle, and intestine), whether the adult liver contains a defined department of stem cells is still controversial. In order to compensate for the massive loss of hepatocytes following liver injury, the liver processes a precisely controlled transcriptional reprogram that can trigger cell proliferation and cell-fate switch. Epigenetic events are thought to regulate the organization of chromatin architecture and gene transcription during the liver regenerative process. In this review, we will summarize how changes to the chromatin by epigenetic modifiers are translated into cell fate transitions to restore liver homeostasis during liver regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zilong Li
- Institute of Brain Science and Brain-inspired Research, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 250117 Jinan, Shandong, China; Department of Gastroenterology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, 250021 Jinan, Shandong, China.
| | - Xinyue Sun
- Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, 210009 Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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2
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Huang W, Yue Y, Hao W, Zhang Z, Cai P, Yang D. mTORC1 mediates the expansion of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells through ribosome biogenesis protein Urb2 in zebrafish. Stem Cell Reports 2024; 19:1277-1288. [PMID: 39178846 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2024.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) serves as the key sensor to control protein synthesis, cell growth, and survival. Despite mTOR is reported to regulate hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) engraftment and multiple-lineage hematopoiesis in mice, the roles of unique mTOR complexes (mTORCs) in early HSPC development and HSPC pool formation have not been adequately elucidated. Here, we uncover that mTORC1 is essential for early HSPC expansion in zebrafish. mTORC1 signaling was highly activated in definitive HSPCs during the emerging and expanding stages. Pharmacological or genetic inactivation of mTORC1 would cause defective HSPC expansion and migration due to disrupted cell proliferation. Interestingly, mTORC2 is dispensable for early HSPC development. Ribosome biogenesis protein Urb2 was downregulated upon mTORC1 inhibition, and urb2 overexpression partially rescued the hematopoietic defects in mTORC1-deficient embryos. These data demonstrate that mTORC1 signaling regulates early HSPC expansion through Urb2, and this work will deepen our understanding of mTOR in different physiological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenming Huang
- Department of Endodontics, Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 404100, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 404100, China; Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing 404100, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, 426 Songshi North Road, Yubei Distrinct, Chongqing 401147, China
| | - Yu Yue
- Department of Endodontics, Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 404100, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 404100, China; Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing 404100, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, 426 Songshi North Road, Yubei Distrinct, Chongqing 401147, China
| | - Weifeng Hao
- Department of Endodontics, Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 404100, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 404100, China; Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing 404100, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, 426 Songshi North Road, Yubei Distrinct, Chongqing 401147, China
| | - Zhenan Zhang
- Department of Endodontics, Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 404100, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 404100, China; Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing 404100, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, 426 Songshi North Road, Yubei Distrinct, Chongqing 401147, China
| | - Pengcheng Cai
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Deqin Yang
- Department of Endodontics, Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 404100, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 404100, China; Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing 404100, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, 426 Songshi North Road, Yubei Distrinct, Chongqing 401147, China; Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital & School of Stomatology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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3
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Frau C, Vallier L. Exploiting the plasticity of cholangiocytes to repair the biliary tree. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2024; 89:102257. [PMID: 39255689 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2024.102257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2024] [Revised: 08/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024]
Abstract
Cholangiocytes are the main cell type lining the epithelium of the biliary tree of the liver. This cell type has been implicated not only in diseases affecting the biliary tree but also in chronic liver diseases targeting other hepatic cells such as hepatocytes. However, the isolation and culture of cholangiocytes have been particularly arduous, thereby limiting the development of new therapies. The emergence of organoids has the potential to address in part this challenge. Indeed, cholangiocyte organoids can be established from both the intra- and extrahepatic regions of the biliary tree, providing an advantageous platform for disease modeling and mechanism investigations. Accordingly, recent studies on cholangiocyte organoids, together with the advent of single-cell -omics, have opened the field to exciting discoveries concerning the plastic nature of these cells and their capability to adapt to different environments and stimuli. This review will focus on describing how these plasticity properties could be exploited in regenerative medicine and cell-based therapy, opening new frontiers for treating disorders affecting the biliary tree and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Frau
- Berlin Institute of Health Centre for Regenerative Therapies, Berlin, Germany; Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany; Berlin Institute of Health @Charite, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Ludovic Vallier
- Berlin Institute of Health Centre for Regenerative Therapies, Berlin, Germany; Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany; Berlin Institute of Health @Charite, Berlin, Germany.
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4
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Chang C, Gao P, Li J, Liang J, Xiang S, Zhang R. Embryonic dexamethasone exposure exacerbates hepatic steatosis and APAP-mediated liver injury in zebrafish. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 282:116657. [PMID: 38968869 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2024] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
Dexamethasone (DXMS), a synthetic glucocorticoid, is known for its pharmacological effects on anti-inflammation, stress response enhancement and immune suppression, and has been widely used to treat potential premature delivery and related diseases. However, emerging evidence has shown that prenatal DXMS exposure leads to increased susceptibility to multiple diseases. In the present study, we used zebrafish as a model to study the effects of embryonic DXMS exposure on liver development and disease. We discovered that embryonic DXMS exposure upregulated the levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides in the liver, increased the glycolysis process and ultimately caused hepatic steatosis in zebrafish larvae. Furthermore, DXMS exposure exacerbated hepatic steatosis in a zebrafish model of fatty liver disease. In addition, we showed that embryonic DXMS exposure worsened liver injury induced by paracetamol (N-acetyl-p-aminophenol, APAP), increased the infiltration of macrophages and neutrophils, and promoted the expression of inflammatory factors, leading to impeded liver regeneration. Taken together, our results provide new evidence that embryonic DXMS exposure exacerbates hepatic steatosis by activating glycolytic pathway, aggravates APAP-induced liver damage and impeded regeneration under a persistent inflammation, calling attention to DXMS administration during pregnancy with probable clinical implications for offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Chang
- TaiKang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Peng Gao
- TaiKang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiayi Li
- TaiKang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jieling Liang
- TaiKang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shupeng Xiang
- TaiKang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ruilin Zhang
- TaiKang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, China.
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5
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Cheng C, Chen J, Zhang L, Huang B, Ma J, Luo L, Yang Y. Migration and proliferation of ductal cells promote pancreatic repair after trauma. J Genet Genomics 2024:S1673-8527(24)00212-1. [PMID: 39214453 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2024.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 08/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Chaoqing Cheng
- Institute of Development Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Jinzi Chen
- Institute of Development Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Liqi Zhang
- Institute of Development Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Bangzhuo Huang
- Institute of Development Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Jianlong Ma
- School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Lingfei Luo
- Institute of Development Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yun Yang
- Institute of Development Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
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6
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Zhao J, Yue P, Mi N, Li M, Fu W, Zhang X, Gao L, Bai M, Tian L, Jiang N, Lu Y, Ma H, Dong C, Zhang Y, Zhang H, Zhang J, Ren Y, Suzuki A, Wong PF, Tanaka K, Rerknimitr R, Junger HH, Cheung TT, Melloul E, Demartines N, Leung JW, Yao J, Yuan J, Lin Y, Schlitt HJ, Meng W. Biliary fibrosis is an important but neglected pathological feature in hepatobiliary disorders: from molecular mechanisms to clinical implications. MEDICAL REVIEW (2021) 2024; 4:326-365. [PMID: 39135601 PMCID: PMC11317084 DOI: 10.1515/mr-2024-0029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
Fibrosis resulting from pathological repair secondary to recurrent or persistent tissue damage often leads to organ failure and mortality. Biliary fibrosis is a crucial but easily neglected pathological feature in hepatobiliary disorders, which may promote the development and progression of benign and malignant biliary diseases through pathological healing mechanisms secondary to biliary tract injuries. Elucidating the etiology and pathogenesis of biliary fibrosis is beneficial to the prevention and treatment of biliary diseases. In this review, we emphasized the importance of biliary fibrosis in cholangiopathies and summarized the clinical manifestations, epidemiology, and aberrant cellular composition involving the biliary ductules, cholangiocytes, immune system, fibroblasts, and the microbiome. We also focused on pivotal signaling pathways and offered insights into ongoing clinical trials and proposing a strategic approach for managing biliary fibrosis-related cholangiopathies. This review will offer a comprehensive perspective on biliary fibrosis and provide an important reference for future mechanism research and innovative therapy to prevent or reverse fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyu Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Ping Yue
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Ningning Mi
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Matu Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Wenkang Fu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Xianzhuo Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Long Gao
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Mingzhen Bai
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Liang Tian
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Ningzu Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Yawen Lu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Haidong Ma
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Chunlu Dong
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Hengwei Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Jinduo Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Yanxian Ren
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Azumi Suzuki
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hamamatsu Medical Center, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Peng F. Wong
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - Kiyohito Tanaka
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kyoto Second Red Cross Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Rungsun Rerknimitr
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn, Bangkok, Thailand
- Excellence Center for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Henrik H. Junger
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Tan T. Cheung
- Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Emmanuel Melloul
- Department of Visceral Surgery, Lausanne University Hospital CHUV, University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Demartines
- Department of Visceral Surgery, Lausanne University Hospital CHUV, University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Joseph W. Leung
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, UC Davis Medical Center and Sacramento VA Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Jia Yao
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jinqiu Yuan
- Clinical Research Center, Big Data Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanyan Lin
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Hans J. Schlitt
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Wenbo Meng
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
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7
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Zhang X, Liu H, Cai P, Huang Z, Ma J, Luo L. Mdka produced by the activated HSCs drives bipotential progenitor cell redifferentiation during zebrafish biliary-mediated liver regeneration. Hepatology 2024:01515467-990000000-00981. [PMID: 39188045 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000001031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS After extensive hepatocyte loss or impaired hepatocyte proliferation, liver regeneration occurs through trans-differentiation of biliary epithelial cells (BECs), which involves dedifferentiation of biliary epithelial cells into bipotential progenitor cells (BP-PCs) and subsequent redifferentiation of BP-PCs into nascent hepatocytes and biliary epithelial cells. Despite several studies on the redifferentiation process of BP-PCs into nascent hepatocytes, the contributions of nonparenchymal cells in this process remain poorly understood. APPROACH AND RESULTS Using the zebrafish severe liver injury model, we observed specific expression of midkine a (Mdka) in the activated HSCs through single-cell analyses and fluorescence in situ hybridization. Genetic mutation, pharmacological inhibition, whole-mount in situ hybridizations, and antibody staining demonstrated an essential role of mdka in the redifferentiation of BP-PCs during liver regeneration. Notably, we identified Nucleolin (Ncl), the potential receptor for Mdka, specifically expressed in BP-PCs, and its mutant recapitulated the mdka mutant phenotypes with impaired BP-PC redifferentiation. Mechanistically, the Mdka-Ncl axis drove Erk1 activation in BP-PCs during liver regeneration. Furthermore, overexpression of activated Erk1 partially rescued the defective liver regeneration in the mdka mutant. CONCLUSIONS The activated HSCs produce Mdka to drive the redifferentiation process of BP-PCs through activating Erk1 during the biliary-mediated liver regeneration, implying previously unappreciated contributions of nonparenchymal cells to this regeneration process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xintao Zhang
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Huijuan Liu
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Pengcheng Cai
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhuofu Huang
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Jianlong Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Liver Cancer Institute of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lingfei Luo
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Liver Cancer Institute of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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8
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Chen J, Ding J, Li Y, Feng F, Xu Y, Wang T, He J, Cang J, Luo L. Epidermal growth factor-like domain 7 drives brain lymphatic endothelial cell development through integrin αvβ3. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5986. [PMID: 39013903 PMCID: PMC11252342 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50389-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
In zebrafish, brain lymphatic endothelial cells (BLECs) are essential for meningeal angiogenesis and cerebrovascular regeneration. Although epidermal growth factor-like domain 7 (Egfl7) has been reported to act as a pro-angiogenic factor, its roles in lymphangiogenesis remain unclear. Here, we show that Egfl7 is expressed in both blood and lymphatic endothelial cells. We generate an egfl7 cq180 mutant with a 13-bp-deletion in exon 3 leading to reduced expression of Egfl7. The egfl7 cq180 mutant zebrafish exhibit defective formation of BLEC bilateral loop-like structures, although trunk and facial lymphatic development remains unaffected. Moreover, while the egfl7 cq180 mutant displays normal BLEC lineage specification, the migration and proliferation of these cells are impaired. Additionally, we identify integrin αvβ3 as the receptor for Egfl7. αvβ3 is expressed in the CVP and sprouting BLECs, and blocking this integrin inhibits the formation of BLEC bilateral loop-like structures. Thus, this study identifies a role for Egfl7 in BLEC development that is mediated through the integrin αvβ3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingying Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Department of Anaesthesia of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 200438, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jing Ding
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, 400715, Chongqing, China
| | - Yongyu Li
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, 400715, Chongqing, China
| | - Fujuan Feng
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, 400715, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuhang Xu
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, 400715, Chongqing, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, 400715, Chongqing, China
| | - Jianbo He
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, 400715, Chongqing, China
| | - Jing Cang
- School of Life Sciences, Department of Anaesthesia of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 200438, Shanghai, China
| | - Lingfei Luo
- School of Life Sciences, Department of Anaesthesia of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 200438, Shanghai, China.
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, 400715, Chongqing, China.
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9
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He X, Xiong D, Zhao L, Fu J, Luo L. Meningeal lymphatic supporting cells govern the formation and maintenance of zebrafish mural lymphatic endothelial cells. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5547. [PMID: 38956047 PMCID: PMC11220022 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49818-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The meninges are critical for the brain functions, but the diversity of meningeal cell types and intercellular interactions have yet to be thoroughly examined. Here we identify a population of meningeal lymphatic supporting cells (mLSCs) in the zebrafish leptomeninges, which are specifically labeled by ependymin. Morphologically, mLSCs form membranous structures that enwrap the majority of leptomeningeal blood vessels and all the mural lymphatic endothelial cells (muLECs). Based on its unique cellular morphologies and transcriptional profile, mLSC is characterized as a unique cell type different from all the currently known meningeal cell types. Because of the formation of supportive structures and production of pro-lymphangiogenic factors, mLSCs not only promote muLEC development and maintain the dispersed distributions of muLECs in the leptomeninges, but also are required for muLEC regeneration after ablation. This study characterizes a newly identified cell type in leptomeninges, mLSC, which is required for muLEC development, maintenance, and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang He
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Daiqin Xiong
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Lei Zhao
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Qinling Ecological Intelligent Monitoring and Protection, School of Ecology and Environment, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, China
| | - Jialong Fu
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Lingfei Luo
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China.
- School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Yangpu, Shanghai, 200438, China.
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10
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Gribben C, Galanakis V, Calderwood A, Williams EC, Chazarra-Gil R, Larraz M, Frau C, Puengel T, Guillot A, Rouhani FJ, Mahbubani K, Godfrey E, Davies SE, Athanasiadis E, Saeb-Parsy K, Tacke F, Allison M, Mohorianu I, Vallier L. Acquisition of epithelial plasticity in human chronic liver disease. Nature 2024; 630:166-173. [PMID: 38778114 PMCID: PMC11153150 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07465-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
For many adult human organs, tissue regeneration during chronic disease remains a controversial subject. Regenerative processes are easily observed in animal models, and their underlying mechanisms are becoming well characterized1-4, but technical challenges and ethical aspects are limiting the validation of these results in humans. We decided to address this difficulty with respect to the liver. This organ displays the remarkable ability to regenerate after acute injury, although liver regeneration in the context of recurring injury remains to be fully demonstrated. Here we performed single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) on 47 liver biopsies from patients with different stages of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease to establish a cellular map of the liver during disease progression. We then combined these single-cell-level data with advanced 3D imaging to reveal profound changes in the liver architecture. Hepatocytes lose their zonation and considerable reorganization of the biliary tree takes place. More importantly, our study uncovers transdifferentiation events that occur between hepatocytes and cholangiocytes without the presence of adult stem cells or developmental progenitor activation. Detailed analyses and functional validations using cholangiocyte organoids confirm the importance of the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway in this process, thereby connecting this acquisition of plasticity to insulin signalling. Together, our data indicate that chronic injury creates an environment that induces cellular plasticity in human organs, and understanding the underlying mechanisms of this process could open new therapeutic avenues in the management of chronic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Gribben
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Open Targets, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK
| | - Vasileios Galanakis
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Open Targets, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK
- Liver Unit, Department of Medicine, Cambridge NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Alexander Calderwood
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Eleanor C Williams
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ruben Chazarra-Gil
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Miguel Larraz
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Carla Frau
- Berlin Institute of Health Centre for Regenerative Therapies, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tobias Puengel
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Adrien Guillot
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | - Edmund Godfrey
- Department of Radiology, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Susan E Davies
- Department of Histopathology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Emmanouil Athanasiadis
- Greek Genome Centre, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Medical Image and Signal Processing Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Frank Tacke
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Allison
- Open Targets, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK.
- Liver Unit, Department of Medicine, Cambridge NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Irina Mohorianu
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Ludovic Vallier
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Open Targets, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK.
- Berlin Institute of Health Centre for Regenerative Therapies, Berlin, Germany.
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany.
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11
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Yoshizawa T, Lee JW, Hong SM, Jung D, Noë M, Zbijewski W, Kiemen A, Wu PH, Wirtz D, Hruban RH, Wood LD, Oshima K. Three-dimensional analysis of ductular reactions and their correlation with liver regeneration and fibrosis. Virchows Arch 2024; 484:753-763. [PMID: 37704824 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-023-03641-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
The liver has multiple regeneration modes, including hepatocellular hypertrophy and self-renewal of hepatocytes. When hepatocyte proliferation is impaired, hepatic progenitor cells may proliferate through ductular reaction (DR), differentiate into hepatocytes, and contribute to fibrosis. However, the three-dimensional spatial relationship between DR and regenerating hepatocytes and dynamic changes in DR associated with fibrosis remain poorly understood. Here, we performed three-dimensional (3D) imaging of cleared 42 liver explants with chronic and acute liver diseases and 4 normal livers to visualize DR. In chronic hepatic liver diseases, such as viral hepatitis, steatohepatitis, autoimmune hepatitis, and cryptogenic cirrhosis, the total length and number of branches of DR showed a significant positive correlation. We studied the spatial relationship between DR and GS-expressing cells using glutamine synthetase (GS) and cytokeratin 19 (CK19) as markers of liver regeneration and DR, respectively. The percentage of CK19-positive cells that co-expressed GS was less than 10% in chronic liver diseases. In contrast, nearly one-third of CK19-positive cells co-expressed GS in acute liver diseases, and chronic cholestatic liver diseases, including primary biliary cholangitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis, showed no co-expression. We also found that DR was longer and had more branching in livers with progressive fibrosis compared to those with regressive fibrosis. Our results suggest that DR displays varying degrees of spatial complexity and contribution to liver regeneration. DR may serve as hepatobiliary junctions that maintain continuity between hepatocytes and bile ducts rather than hepatocyte regeneration in chronic liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadashi Yoshizawa
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Pathology and Bioscience, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki Aomori, Japan
| | - Jae W Lee
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Seung-Mo Hong
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - DongJun Jung
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Medicine, Graduate School, University of Ulsan, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Michaël Noë
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Wojciech Zbijewski
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ashley Kiemen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Pei-Hsun Wu
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Denis Wirtz
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ralph H Hruban
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Laura D Wood
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kiyoko Oshima
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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12
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Bu W, Sun X, Xue X, Geng S, Yang T, Zhang J, Li Y, Feng C, Liu Q, Zhang X, Li P, Liu Z, Shi Y, Shao C. Early onset of pathological polyploidization and cellular senescence in hepatocytes lacking RAD51 creates a pro-fibrotic and pro-tumorigenic inflammatory microenvironment. Hepatology 2024:01515467-990000000-00800. [PMID: 38466833 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS RAD51 recombinase (RAD51) is a highly conserved DNA repair protein and is indispensable for embryonic viability. As a result, the role of RAD51 in liver development and function is unknown. Our aim was to characterize the function of RAD51 in postnatal liver development. APPROACH AND RESULTS RAD51 is highly expressed during liver development and during regeneration following hepatectomy and hepatic injury, and is also elevated in chronic liver diseases. We generated a hepatocyte-specific Rad51 deletion mouse model using Alb -Cre ( Rad51 -conditional knockout (CKO)) and Adeno-associated virus 8-thyroxine-binding globulin-cyclization recombination enzyme to evaluate the function of RAD51 in liver development and regeneration. The phenotype in Rad51 -CKO mice is dependent on CRE dosage, with Rad51fl/fl ; Alb -Cre +/+ manifesting a more severe phenotype than the Rad51fl/fl ; Alb -Cre +/- mice. RAD51 deletion in postnatal hepatocytes results in aborted mitosis and early onset of pathological polyploidization that is associated with oxidative stress and cellular senescence. Remarkable liver fibrosis occurs spontaneously as early as in 3-month-old Rad51fl/fl ; Alb -Cre +/+ mice. While liver regeneration is compromised in Rad51 -CKO mice, they are more tolerant of carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic injury and resistant to diethylnitrosamine/carbon tetrachloride-induced HCC. A chronic inflammatory microenvironment created by the senescent hepatocytes appears to activate ductular reaction the transdifferentiation of cholangiocytes to hepatocytes. The newly derived RAD51 functional immature hepatocytes proliferate vigorously, acquire increased malignancy, and eventually give rise to HCC. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate a novel function of RAD51 in liver development, homeostasis, and tumorigenesis. The Rad51 -CKO mice represent a unique genetic model for premature liver senescence, fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqing Bu
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University Suzhou Medical College, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xue Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University Suzhou Medical College, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaotong Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University Suzhou Medical College, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shengmiao Geng
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University Suzhou Medical College, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tingting Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University Suzhou Medical College, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jia Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University Suzhou Medical College, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yanan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University Suzhou Medical College, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chao Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University Suzhou Medical College, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qiao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Department of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xiyu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Department of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Peishan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University Suzhou Medical College, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhaojian Liu
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Department of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yufang Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University Suzhou Medical College, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Changshun Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University Suzhou Medical College, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
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13
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Ambrosio EMG, Bailey CSL, Unterweger IA, Christensen JB, Bruchez MP, Lundegaard PR, Ober EA. LiverZap: a chemoptogenetic tool for global and locally restricted hepatocyte ablation to study cellular behaviours in liver regeneration. Development 2024; 151:dev202217. [PMID: 38381702 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
The liver restores its mass and architecture after injury. Yet, investigating morphogenetic cell behaviours and signals that repair tissue architecture at high spatiotemporal resolution remains challenging. We developed LiverZap, a tuneable chemoptogenetic liver injury model in zebrafish. LiverZap employs the formation of a binary FAP-TAP photosensitiser followed by brief near-infrared illumination inducing hepatocyte-specific death and recapitulating mammalian liver injury types. The tool enables local hepatocyte ablation and extended live imaging capturing regenerative cell behaviours, which is crucial for studying cellular interactions at the interface of healthy and damaged tissue. Applying LiverZap, we show that targeted hepatocyte ablation in a small region of interest is sufficient to trigger local liver progenitor-like cell (LPC)-mediated regeneration, challenging the current understanding of liver regeneration. Surprisingly, the LPC response is also elicited in adjacent uninjured tissue, at up to 100 µm distance to the injury. Moreover, dynamic biliary network rearrangement suggests active cell movements from uninjured tissue in response to substantial hepatocyte loss as an integral step of LPC-mediated liver regeneration. This precisely targetable liver cell ablation tool will enable the discovery of key molecular and morphogenetic regeneration paradigms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M G Ambrosio
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Biology, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
- University of Copenhagen, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Charlotte S L Bailey
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Biology, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Iris A Unterweger
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Biology, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
- University of Copenhagen, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Jens B Christensen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Biology, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, Cambridge University, Cambridge CB2 1NQ, UK
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Cambridge University, Cambridge CB2 3DY, UK
| | - Marcel P Bruchez
- Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15217, USA
| | - Pia R Lundegaard
- University of Copenhagen, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Elke A Ober
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Biology, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
- University of Copenhagen, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
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14
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Lee S, Memon A, Chae SC, Shin D, Choi TY. Epcam regulates intrahepatic bile duct reconstruction in zebrafish, providing a potential model for primary cholangitis model. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 696:149512. [PMID: 38224664 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.149512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Epithelial cell adhesion molecules (EpCAMs) have been identified as surface markers of proliferating ductal cells, which are referred to as liver progenitor cells (LPCs), during liver regeneration and correspond to malignancies. These cells can differentiate into hepatocytes and biliary epithelial cells (BECs) in vitro. EpCAM-positive LPCs are involved in liver regeneration following severe liver injury; however, the in vivo function of EpCAMs in the regenerating liver remains unclear. In the present study, we used a zebrafish model of LPC-driven liver regeneration to elucidate the function of EpCAMs in the regenerating liver in vivo. Proliferating ductal cells were observed after severe hepatocyte loss in the zebrafish model. Analyses of the liver size as well as hepatocyte and BEC markers revealed successful conversion of LPCs to hepatocytes and BECs in epcam mutants. Notably, epcam mutants exhibited severe defects in intrahepatic duct maturation and bile acid secretion in regenerating hepatocytes, suggesting that epcam plays a critical role in intrahepatic duct reconstruction during LPC-driven liver regeneration. Our findings provide insights into human diseases involving non-parenchymal cells, such as primary biliary cholangitis, by highlighting the regulatory effect of epcam on intrahepatic duct reconstruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyeo Lee
- Department of Pathology, Digestive Disease Research Institute, Wonkwang University School of Medicine, Iksan, 54538, Republic of Korea; Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School Wonkwang University, Iksan, Jeonbuk, 54538, Republic of Korea
| | - Azra Memon
- Department of Pathology, Digestive Disease Research Institute, Wonkwang University School of Medicine, Iksan, 54538, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo-Cheon Chae
- Department of Pathology, Digestive Disease Research Institute, Wonkwang University School of Medicine, Iksan, 54538, Republic of Korea
| | - Donghun Shin
- Department of Developmental Biology, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
| | - Tae-Young Choi
- Department of Pathology, Digestive Disease Research Institute, Wonkwang University School of Medicine, Iksan, 54538, Republic of Korea; Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School Wonkwang University, Iksan, Jeonbuk, 54538, Republic of Korea.
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15
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Li Y, Li M, Duan S, Zhang S, Lu H, Guo X, Zhong K. d-Tetramethrin causes zebrafish hepatotoxicity by inducing oxidative stress and inhibiting cell proliferation. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2024; 483:116817. [PMID: 38215995 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2024.116817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
d-Tetramethrin is one of the main components of mosquito control products, and is widely used for the control of dengue fever and insecticide production. Due to its widespread use, d-tetramethrin is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant and poses potential risks to human health. However, the effects of d-tetramethrin on liver morphology and function are not clearly established. In this study, we used zebrafish as an animal model to analyze the acute and chronic effects of d-tetramethrin exposure on the liver. We exposed zebrafish larvae and adults to different concentrations of d-tetramethrin and examined the impact of d-tetramethrin on lipid and glycogen metabolism, cellular properties, oxidative stress, cell proliferation, and apoptosis in the liver. We also analyzed transcriptional changes in genes related to apoptosis, inflammation, and cell proliferation using qPCR. Zebrafish exposed to d-tetramethrin exhibited severe liver damage, as evidenced by the presence of vacuoles and nuclear distortion in liver cells. The liver area in zebrafish larvae of the treatment group was significantly smaller than that of the control group. Significant lipid accumulation and decreased glycogen levels were observed in the livers of both zebrafish larvae and adults exposed to d-tetramethrin. Furthermore, d-tetramethrin exposure induced apoptosis and inflammation in zebrafish embryos. Additionally, d-tetramethrin caused liver damage, metabolic dysfunction, and impaired liver function. These results suggest that d-tetramethrin induces liver toxicity in zebrafish, by inducing oxidative stress and inhibiting cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Li
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory for Drug Screening and Discovery, School of Geography and Environmental Engineering, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou 341000, Jiangxi, China; College of Land Resources and Environment, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, Jiangxi, China
| | - Mijia Li
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory for Drug Screening and Discovery, School of Geography and Environmental Engineering, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Shiyi Duan
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory for Drug Screening and Discovery, School of Geography and Environmental Engineering, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Sijie Zhang
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory for Drug Screening and Discovery, School of Geography and Environmental Engineering, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Huiqiang Lu
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory for Drug Screening and Discovery, School of Geography and Environmental Engineering, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xinchun Guo
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory for Drug Screening and Discovery, School of Geography and Environmental Engineering, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou 341000, Jiangxi, China; College of Land Resources and Environment, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, Jiangxi, China.
| | - Keyuan Zhong
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory for Drug Screening and Discovery, School of Geography and Environmental Engineering, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou 341000, Jiangxi, China.
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16
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Zhang C, Sun C, Zhao Y, Ye B, Yu G. Signaling pathways of liver regeneration: Biological mechanisms and implications. iScience 2024; 27:108683. [PMID: 38155779 PMCID: PMC10753089 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver possesses a unique regenerative ability to restore its original mass, in this regard, partial hepatectomy (PHx) and partial liver transplantation (PLTx) can be executed smoothly and safely, which has important implications for the treatment of liver disease. Liver regeneration (LR) can be the very complicated procedure that involves multiple cytokines and transcription factors that interact with each other to activate different signaling pathways. Activation of these pathways can drive the LR process, which can be divided into three stages, namely, the initiation, progression, and termination stages. Therefore, it is important to investigate the pathways involved in LR to elucidate the mechanism of LR. This study reviews the latest research on the key signaling pathways in the different stages of LR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Pulmonary Fibrosis, College of Life Science, Institute of Biomedical Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Caifang Sun
- State Key Laboratory Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Pulmonary Fibrosis, College of Life Science, Institute of Biomedical Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Yabin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Pulmonary Fibrosis, College of Life Science, Institute of Biomedical Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Bingyu Ye
- State Key Laboratory Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Pulmonary Fibrosis, College of Life Science, Institute of Biomedical Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - GuoYing Yu
- State Key Laboratory Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Pulmonary Fibrosis, College of Life Science, Institute of Biomedical Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
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17
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Beumer J, Clevers H. Hallmarks of stemness in mammalian tissues. Cell Stem Cell 2024; 31:7-24. [PMID: 38181752 PMCID: PMC10769195 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2023.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
All adult tissues experience wear and tear. Most tissues can compensate for cell loss through the activity of resident stem cells. Although the cellular maintenance strategies vary greatly between different adult (read: postnatal) tissues, the function of stem cells is best defined by their capacity to replace lost tissue through division. We discuss a set of six complementary hallmarks that are key enabling features of this basic function. These include longevity and self-renewal, multipotency, transplantability, plasticity, dependence on niche signals, and maintenance of genome integrity. We discuss these hallmarks in the context of some of the best-understood adult stem cell niches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joep Beumer
- Institute of Human Biology (IHB), Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Hans Clevers
- Institute of Human Biology (IHB), Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland.
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18
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Rizvi F, Lee YR, Diaz-Aragon R, Bawa PS, So J, Florentino RM, Wu S, Sarjoo A, Truong E, Smith AR, Wang F, Everton E, Ostrowska A, Jung K, Tam Y, Muramatsu H, Pardi N, Weissman D, Soto-Gutierrez A, Shin D, Gouon-Evans V. VEGFA mRNA-LNP promotes biliary epithelial cell-to-hepatocyte conversion in acute and chronic liver diseases and reverses steatosis and fibrosis. Cell Stem Cell 2023; 30:1640-1657.e8. [PMID: 38029740 PMCID: PMC10843608 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2023.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
The liver is known for its remarkable regenerative ability through proliferation of hepatocytes. Yet, during chronic injury or severe hepatocyte death, proliferation of hepatocytes is exhausted. To overcome this hurdle, we propose vascular-endothelial-growth-factor A (VEGFA) as a therapeutic means to accelerate biliary epithelial-cell (BEC)-to-hepatocyte conversion. Investigation in zebrafish establishes that blocking VEGF receptors abrogates BEC-driven liver repair, while VEGFA overexpression promotes it. Delivery of VEGFA via nonintegrative and safe nucleoside-modified mRNA encapsulated into lipid nanoparticles (mRNA-LNPs) in acutely or chronically injured mouse livers induces robust BEC-to-hepatocyte conversion and elimination of steatosis and fibrosis. In human and murine diseased livers, we further identified VEGFA-receptor KDR-expressing BECs associated with KDR-expressing cell-derived hepatocytes. This work defines KDR-expressing cells, most likely being BECs, as facultative progenitors. This study reveals unexpected therapeutic benefits of VEGFA delivered via nucleoside-modified mRNA-LNP, whose safety is widely validated with COVID-19 vaccines, for harnessing BEC-driven repair to potentially treat liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Rizvi
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Boston University and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Yu-Ri Lee
- Department of Developmental Biology, Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Ricardo Diaz-Aragon
- Department of Pathology, Center for Transcriptional Medicine, Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Pushpinder S Bawa
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Boston University and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Juhoon So
- Department of Developmental Biology, Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Rodrigo M Florentino
- Department of Pathology, Center for Transcriptional Medicine, Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Susan Wu
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Boston University and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Arianna Sarjoo
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Boston University and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Emily Truong
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Boston University and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Anna R Smith
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Boston University and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Feiya Wang
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Boston University and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Elissa Everton
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Boston University and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Alina Ostrowska
- Department of Pathology, Center for Transcriptional Medicine, Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Kyounghwa Jung
- Department of Developmental Biology, Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Ying Tam
- Acuitas Therapeutics, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Hiromi Muramatsu
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Norbert Pardi
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Drew Weissman
- Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases Division, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 10104, USA
| | - Alejandro Soto-Gutierrez
- Department of Pathology, Center for Transcriptional Medicine, Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Donghun Shin
- Department of Developmental Biology, Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Valerie Gouon-Evans
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Boston University and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
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19
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Li D, Ye C, Liu P, Sun T, Qin Y, Wan X. PGC1α deficiency reverses cholestasis-induced liver injury via attenuating hepatic inflammation and promoting bile duct remodeling. Acta Histochem 2023; 125:152097. [PMID: 37813066 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2023.152097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cholestatic liver diseases are characterized by hepatocellular damage, cholangiocyte proliferation, and progressive fibrosis. Bile duct ligation (BDL) is widely used to resemble liver injuries induced by cholestasis. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator 1 alpha (PGC1α) was reported to play a critical role in multiple biological responses. Nevertheless, whether PGC1α is involved in bile acid metabolism and biliary disorders remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effect of PGC1α on hepatic responses after cholestatic injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS Wild-type mice were subjected to BDL or sham surgery for 14 days and human liver specimens from patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) were collected to detect the expression of PGC1α. Hepatic-specific PGC1α knockout mice (HKO) were constructed and subjected to BDL, in which the effects of PGC1α on cholestatic liver injury were demonstrated by biochemical and histopathological assessments, immunoblotting, and metabolomics. RESULTS The expression of PGC1α was upregulated in the liver of PBC patients and murine models. Both in vivo and in vitro experiments supported the protective effects of PGC1α on cholestasis-induced hepatocyte injury. Infiltrated inflammatory cells after BDL were decreased in HKO mice. Inhibited Wnt/β-Catenin pathway and enhanced Notch signaling promoted transdifferentiation of hepatic progenitor cells (HPC)/ hepatocytes into cholangiocytes, leading to the greater ductular reaction observed in the HKO mice. But bile acids metabolism and mitochondrial function were not affected due to hepatic PGC1α deficiency in cholestasis. CONCLUSIONS Hepatic-specific deletion of PGC1α regulated liver regeneration by promoting ductular reactions, thereby exerting protective effects against BDL-induced liver injury, which could be a new potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingwu Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Chenhui Ye
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Peihao Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Ting Sun
- Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Yunsheng Qin
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China.
| | - Xingyong Wan
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China.
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20
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Wu C, Zhang W, Luo Y, Cheng C, Wang X, Jiang Y, Li S, Luo L, Yang Y. Zebrafish ppp1r21 mutant as a model for the study of primary biliary cholangitis. J Genet Genomics 2023; 50:1004-1013. [PMID: 37271428 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2023.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is an autoimmune cholestatic liver disease that progresses to fibrosis and cirrhosis, resulting from the gradual destruction of intrahepatic bile ducts. Exploring genetic variants associated with PBC is essential to understand the pathogenesis of PBC. Here we identify a zebrafish balloon dog (blg) mutant with intrahepatic bile duct branching defects, exhibiting several key pathological PBC-like features, including immunodominant autoantigen PDC-E2 production, cholangiocyte apoptosis, immune cell infiltration, inflammatory activation, and liver fibrosis. blg encodes the protein phosphatase 1 regulatory subunit 21 (Ppp1r21), which is enriched in the liver and its peripheral tissues and plays a vital role in the early intrahepatic bile duct formation stage. Further studies show an excessive activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in the hepatic tissues in the mutant, while treatment with the pathway inhibitor LY294002 and rapamycin partially rescues intrahepatic bile duct branching defects and alleviates the PBC-like symptoms. These findings implicate the potential role of the Ppp1r21-mediated PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in the pathophysiology of PBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoying Wu
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Wenfeng Zhang
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Yiyu Luo
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Chaoqing Cheng
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xinjuan Wang
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Yan Jiang
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Shuang Li
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Lingfei Luo
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Yun Yang
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China.
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21
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Tao Z, Yang D, Ni R. Tmed10 deficiency results in impaired exocrine pancreatic differentiation in zebrafish larvae. Dev Biol 2023; 503:43-52. [PMID: 37597605 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2023.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
Transmembrane p24 trafficking protein 10 (TMED10) is a conserved vesicle trafficking protein. It is dysregulated in Alzheimer disease and plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease. In addition to the brain, TMED10 is highly expressed in the exocrine pancreas; however, its biological functions and underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. We studied reduced Tmed10 in zebrafish embryos by morpholino oligonucleotide knockdown and CRISPR-Cas9 mutagenesis. Tmed10-deficient embryos showed extensive loss of acinar mass and impaired acinar differentiation. TMED10 has been reported to have an inhibitory effect on γ-secretase. As one of the substrates of γ-secretase, membrane-bound β-catenin was significantly reduced in Tmed10-deficient embryos. Increased γ-secretase activity in wild-type embryos resulted in a phenotype similar to that of tmed10 mutants. And the mutant phenotype could be rescued by treatment with the γ-secretase inhibitor, N-[N-(3, 5-difluorophenacetyl)-l-alanyl]-s-phenylglycinet-butyl ester (DAPT). In addition, the reduced membrane-bound β-catenin was accompanied with up-regulated β-catenin target genes in Tmed10-deficient embryos. Overexpression of β-catenin signaling inhibitor Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1) could rescue the exocrine pancreas defects. Taken together, our study reveals that Tmed10 regulates exocrine pancreatic differentiation through γ-secretase. Reduced membrane-bound β-catenin, accompanied with hyperactivation of β-catenin signaling, is an important cause of exocrine pancreas defects in Tmed10-deficient embryos. Our study reaffirms the importance of appropriate β-catenin signaling in exocrine pancreas development. These findings may provide a theoretical basis for the development of treatment strategies for TMED10-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zewen Tao
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, 400715, Chongqing, China
| | - Di Yang
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, 400715, Chongqing, China
| | - Rui Ni
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, 400715, Chongqing, China.
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22
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Kim M, So J, Shin D. PPARα activation promotes liver progenitor cell-mediated liver regeneration by suppressing YAP signaling in zebrafish. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18312. [PMID: 37880271 PMCID: PMC10600117 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44935-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the robust regenerative capacity of the liver, prolonged and severe liver damage impairs liver regeneration, leading to liver failure. Since the liver co-opts the differentiation of liver progenitor cells (LPCs) into hepatocytes to restore functional hepatocytes, augmenting LPC-mediated liver regeneration may be beneficial to patients with chronic liver diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying LPC-to-hepatocyte differentiation have remained largely unknown. Using the zebrafish model of LPC-mediated liver regeneration, Tg(fabp10a:pt-β-catenin), we present that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPARα) activation augments LPC-to-hepatocyte differentiation. We found that treating Tg(fabp10a:pt-β-catenin) larvae with GW7647, a potent PPARα agonist, enhanced the expression of hepatocyte markers and simultaneously reduced the expression of biliary epithelial cell (BEC)/LPC markers in the regenerating livers, indicating enhanced LPC-to-hepatocyte differentiation. Mechanistically, PPARα activation augments the differentiation by suppressing YAP signaling. The differentiation phenotypes resulting from GW7647 treatment were rescued by expressing a constitutively active form of Yap1. Moreover, we found that suppression of YAP signaling was sufficient to promote LPC-to-hepatocyte differentiation. Treating Tg(fabp10a:pt-β-catenin) larvae with the TEAD inhibitor K-975, which suppresses YAP signaling, phenocopied the effect of GW7647 on LPC differentiation. Altogether, our findings provide insights into augmenting LPC-mediated liver regeneration as a regenerative therapy for chronic liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minwook Kim
- Department of Developmental Biology, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, 3501 5th Ave. #5063, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
| | - Juhoon So
- Department of Developmental Biology, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, 3501 5th Ave. #5063, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
| | - Donghun Shin
- Department of Developmental Biology, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, 3501 5th Ave. #5063, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA.
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23
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Song Y, Lu Z, Shu W, Xiang Z, Wang Z, Wei X, Xu X. Arouse potential stemness: Intrinsic and acquired stem cell therapeutic strategies for advanced liver diseases. CELL INSIGHT 2023; 2:100115. [PMID: 37719773 PMCID: PMC10502372 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellin.2023.100115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Liver diseases are a major health issue, and prolonged liver injury always progresses. Advanced liver disorders impair liver regeneration. Millions of patients die yearly worldwide, even with the available treatments of liver transplantation and artificial liver support system. With its abundant cell resources and significant differentiative potential, stem cell therapy is a viable treatment for various disorders and offers hope to patients waiting for orthotopic liver transplantation. Considering such plight, stem cell therapeutic strategies deliver hope to the patients. Moreover, we conclude intrinsic and acquired perspectives based on stem cell sources. The properties and therapeutic uses of these stem cells' specific types or sources were then reviewed. Owing to the recent investigations of the above cells, a safe and effective therapy will emerge for advanced liver diseases soon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yisu Song
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310006, China
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Zhengyang Lu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310006, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310006, China
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, PR China
| | - Wenzhi Shu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310006, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Ze Xiang
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhengxin Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Xuyong Wei
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310006, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Xiao Xu
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310006, China
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China
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24
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Cai P, Ni R, Lv M, Liu H, Zhao J, He J, Luo L. VEGF signaling governs the initiation of biliary-mediated liver regeneration through the PI3K-mTORC1 axis. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113028. [PMID: 37632748 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Biliary epithelial cells (BECs) are a potential source to repair the damaged liver when hepatocyte proliferation is compromised. Promotion of BEC-to-hepatocyte transdifferentiation could be beneficial to the clinical therapeutics of patients with end-stage liver diseases. However, mechanisms underlying the initiation of BEC transdifferentiation remain largely unknown. Here, we show that upon extreme hepatocyte injury, vegfaa and vegfr2/kdrl are notably induced in hepatic stellate cells and BECs, respectively. Pharmacological and genetic inactivation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling would disrupt BEC dedifferentiation and proliferation, thus restraining hepatocyte regeneration. Mechanically, VEGF signaling regulates the activation of the PI3K-mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) axis, which is essential for BEC-to-hepatocyte transdifferentiation. In mice, VEGF signaling exerts conserved roles in oval cell activation and BEC-to-hepatocyte differentiation. Taken together, this study shows VEGF signaling as an initiator of biliary-mediated liver regeneration through activating the PI3K-mTORC1 axis. Modulation of VEGF signaling in BECs could be a therapeutic approach for patients with end-stage liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengcheng Cai
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Rui Ni
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Mengzhu Lv
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Huijuan Liu
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Jieqiong Zhao
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Jianbo He
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Lingfei Luo
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China; School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China.
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25
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Shimizu N, Shiraishi H, Hanada T. Zebrafish as a Useful Model System for Human Liver Disease. Cells 2023; 12:2246. [PMID: 37759472 PMCID: PMC10526867 DOI: 10.3390/cells12182246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver diseases represent a significant global health challenge, thereby necessitating extensive research to understand their intricate complexities and to develop effective treatments. In this context, zebrafish (Danio rerio) have emerged as a valuable model organism for studying various aspects of liver disease. The zebrafish liver has striking similarities to the human liver in terms of structure, function, and regenerative capacity. Researchers have successfully induced liver damage in zebrafish using chemical toxins, genetic manipulation, and other methods, thereby allowing the study of disease mechanisms and the progression of liver disease. Zebrafish embryos or larvae, with their transparency and rapid development, provide a unique opportunity for high-throughput drug screening and the identification of potential therapeutics. This review highlights how research on zebrafish has provided valuable insights into the pathological mechanisms of human liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuyuki Shimizu
- Department of Cell Biology, Oita University Faculty of Medicine, Yufu 879-5593, Oita, Japan;
| | | | - Toshikatsu Hanada
- Department of Cell Biology, Oita University Faculty of Medicine, Yufu 879-5593, Oita, Japan;
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26
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Lotto J, Stephan TL, Hoodless PA. Fetal liver development and implications for liver disease pathogenesis. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 20:561-581. [PMID: 37208503 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-023-00775-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The metabolic, digestive and homeostatic roles of the liver are dependent on proper crosstalk and organization of hepatic cell lineages. These hepatic cell lineages are derived from their respective progenitors early in organogenesis in a spatiotemporally controlled manner, contributing to the liver's specialized and diverse microarchitecture. Advances in genomics, lineage tracing and microscopy have led to seminal discoveries in the past decade that have elucidated liver cell lineage hierarchies. In particular, single-cell genomics has enabled researchers to explore diversity within the liver, especially early in development when the application of bulk genomics was previously constrained due to the organ's small scale, resulting in low cell numbers. These discoveries have substantially advanced our understanding of cell differentiation trajectories, cell fate decisions, cell lineage plasticity and the signalling microenvironment underlying the formation of the liver. In addition, they have provided insights into the pathogenesis of liver disease and cancer, in which developmental processes participate in disease emergence and regeneration. Future work will focus on the translation of this knowledge to optimize in vitro models of liver development and fine-tune regenerative medicine strategies to treat liver disease. In this Review, we discuss the emergence of hepatic parenchymal and non-parenchymal cells, advances that have been made in in vitro modelling of liver development and draw parallels between developmental and pathological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Lotto
- Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Cell and Developmental Biology Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Tabea L Stephan
- Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Cell and Developmental Biology Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Pamela A Hoodless
- Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
- Cell and Developmental Biology Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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27
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Ma J, Yang Z, Huang Z, Li L, Huang J, Chen J, Ni R, Luo L, He J. Rngtt governs biliary-derived liver regeneration initiation by transcriptional regulation of mTORC1 and Dnmt1 in zebrafish. Hepatology 2023; 78:167-178. [PMID: 36724876 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
In cases of end-stage liver diseases, the proliferation of existing hepatocytes is compromised, a feature of human chronic liver disease, in which most hepatocytes are dysfunctional. So far, liver transplantation represents the only curative therapeutic solution for advanced liver diseases, and the shortage of donor organs leads to high morbidity and mortality worldwide. The promising treatment is to prompt the biliary epithelial cells (BECs) transdifferentiation. However, the critical factors governing the initiation of BEC-derived liver regeneration are largely unknown. The zebrafish has advantages in large-scale genetic screens to identify the critical factors involved in liver regeneration. Here, we combined N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea screen, positional cloning, transgenic lines, antibody staining, and in situ hybridization methods and identified a liver regeneration defect mutant ( lrd ) using the zebrafish extensive liver injury model. Through positional cloning and genomic sequencing, we mapped the mutation site to rngtt . Loss of rngtt leads to the defects of BEC dedifferentiation, bipotential progenitor cell activation, and cell proliferation in the initiation stage of liver regeneration. The transdifferentiation from BECs to hepatocytes did not occur even at the late stage of liver regeneration. Mechanically, Rngtt transcriptionally regulates the attachment of mRNA cap to mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) components and dnmt1 to maintain the activation of mTORC1 and DNA methylation in BECs after severe liver injury and prompt BEC to hepatocyte conversion. Furthermore, rptor and dnmt1 mutants displayed the same liver regeneration defects as rngtt mutation. In conclusion, our results suggest Rngtt is a new factor that initiates BEC-derived liver regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianlong Ma
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhuolin Yang
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhuofu Huang
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Linke Li
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Jingliang Huang
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Jingying Chen
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chongqing), Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Rui Ni
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Lingfei Luo
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Jianbo He
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
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28
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Wei X, Tan X, Chen Q, Jiang Y, Wu G, Ma X, Fu J, Li Y, Gang K, Yang Q, Ni R, He J, Luo L. Extensive jejunal injury is repaired by migration and transdifferentiation of ileal enterocytes in zebrafish. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112660. [PMID: 37342912 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
A major cause of intestinal failure (IF) is intestinal epithelium necrosis and massive loss of enterocytes, especially in the jejunum, the major intestinal segment in charge of nutrient absorption. However, mechanisms underlying jejunal epithelial regeneration after extensive loss of enterocytes remain elusive. Here, we apply a genetic ablation system to induce extensive damage to jejunal enterocytes in zebrafish, mimicking the jejunal epithelium necrosis that causes IF. In response to injury, proliferation and filopodia/lamellipodia drive anterior migration of the ileal enterocytes into the injured jejunum. The migrated fabp6+ ileal enterocytes transdifferentiate into fabp2+ jejunal enterocytes to fulfill the regeneration, consisting of dedifferentiation to precursor status followed by redifferentiation. The dedifferentiation is activated by the IL1β-NFκB axis, whose agonist promotes regeneration. Extensive jejunal epithelial damage is repaired by the migration and transdifferentiation of ileal enterocytes, revealing an intersegmental migration mechanism of intestinal regeneration and providing potential therapeutic targets for IF caused by jejunal epithelium necrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyong Wei
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xinmiao Tan
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Qi Chen
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Yan Jiang
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Guozhen Wu
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xue Ma
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Jialong Fu
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Yongyu Li
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Kai Gang
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Qifen Yang
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Rui Ni
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Jianbo He
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Lingfei Luo
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China.
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29
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Chen Y, Li P, Chen T, Liu H, Wang P, Dai X, Zou Q. Ronidazole Is a Superior Prodrug to Metronidazole for Nitroreductase-Mediated Hepatocytes Ablation in Zebrafish Larvae. Zebrafish 2023. [PMID: 37229597 DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2022.0066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver plays a very important role in physiological processes of the human body. Liver regeneration has developed into an important area of study in liver disease. The Mtz (metronidazole)/NTR (nitroreductase)-mediated cell ablation system has been widely used to study the processes and mechanisms of liver injury and regeneration. However, high concentrations and toxic side effects of Mtz severely limit the application of the Mtz/NTR system. Therefore, screening new analogs to replace Mtz has become an important means to optimize the NTR ablation system. In this study, we screened five Mtz analogs including furazolidone, ronidazole, ornidazole, nitromide, and tinidazole. We compared their toxicity on the transgenic fish line Tg(fabp10a: mCherry-NTR) and their specific ablation ability on liver cells. The results showed that Ronidazole at a lower concentration (2 mM) had the same ability to ablate liver cells comparable with that of Mtz (10 mM), almost without toxic side effects on juvenile fish. Further study found that zebrafish hepatocyte injury caused by the Ronidazole/NTR system achieved the same liver regenerative effect as the Mtz/NTR system. The above results show that Ronidazole can replace Mtz with NTR to achieve superior damage and ablation effects in zebrafish liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhang Chen
- Schools of Laboratory Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Peipei Li
- Schools of Laboratory Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Ting Chen
- Schools of Biosciences and Technology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Hanjie Liu
- Schools of Laboratory Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Peijian Wang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Aging and Vascular Homeostasis of Sichuan Higher Education Institutes, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaozhen Dai
- Schools of Biosciences and Technology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Qingliang Zou
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Aging and Vascular Homeostasis of Sichuan Higher Education Institutes, Chengdu, China
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30
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Barkin JM, Jin-Smith B, Torok K, Pi L. Significance of CCNs in liver regeneration. J Cell Commun Signal 2023:10.1007/s12079-023-00762-x. [PMID: 37202628 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-023-00762-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver has an inherent regenerative capacity via hepatocyte proliferation after mild-to-modest damage. When hepatocytes exhaust their replicative ability during chronic or severe liver damage, liver progenitor cells (LPC), also termed oval cells (OC) in rodents, are activated in the form of ductular reaction (DR) as an alternative pathway. LPC is often intimately associated with hepatic stellate cells (HSC) activation to promote liver fibrosis. The Cyr61/CTGF/Nov (CCN) protein family consists of six extracellular signaling modulators (CCN1-CCN6) with affinity to a repertoire of receptors, growth factors, and extracellular matrix proteins. Through these interactions, CCN proteins organize microenvironments and modulate cell signalings in a diverse variety of physiopathological processes. In particular, their binding to subtypes of integrin (αvβ5, αvβ3, α6β1, αvβ6, etc.) influences the motility and mobility of macrophages, hepatocytes, HSC, and LPC/OC during liver injury. This paper summarizes the current understanding of the significance of CCN genes in liver regeneration in relation to hepatocyte-driven or LPC/OC-mediated pathways. Publicly available datasets were also searched to compare dynamic levels of CCNs in developing and regenerating livers. These insights not only add to our understanding of the regenerative capability of the liver but also provide potential targets for the pharmacological management of liver repair in the clinical setting. Ccns in liver regeneration Restoring damaged or lost tissues requires robust cell growth and dynamic matrix remodeling. Ccns are matricellular proteins highly capable of influencing cell state and matrix production. Current studies have identified Ccns as active players in liver regeneration. Cell types, modes of action, and mechanisms of Ccn induction may vary depending on liver injuries. Hepatocyte proliferation is a default pathway for liver regeneration following mild-to-modest damages, working in parallel with the transient activation of stromal cells, such as macrophages and hepatic stellate cells (HSC). Liver progenitor cells (LPC), also termed oval cells (OC) in rodents, are activated in the form of ductular reaction (DR) and are associated with sustained fibrosis when hepatocytes lose their proliferative ability in severe or chronic liver damage. Ccns may facilitate both hepatocyte regeneration and LPC/OC repair via various mediators (growth factors, matrix proteins, integrins, etc.) for cell-specific and context-dependent functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua M Barkin
- Department of Pathology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Brady Jin-Smith
- Department of Pathology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Kendle Torok
- Department of Pathology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Liya Pi
- Department of Pathology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA.
- Department of Pathology, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA, USA.
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31
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Mi J, Andersson O. Efficient knock-in method enabling lineage tracing in zebrafish. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202301944. [PMID: 36878640 PMCID: PMC9990459 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202301944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Here, we devised a cloning-free 3' knock-in strategy for zebrafish using PCR amplified dsDNA donors that avoids disrupting the targeted genes. The dsDNA donors carry genetic cassettes coding for fluorescent proteins and Cre recombinase in frame with the endogenous gene but separated from it by self-cleavable peptides. Primers with 5' AmC6 end-protections generated PCR amplicons with increased integration efficiency that were coinjected with preassembled Cas9/gRNA ribonucleoprotein complexes for early integration. We targeted four genetic loci (krt92, nkx6.1, krt4, and id2a) and generated 10 knock-in lines, which function as reporters for the endogenous gene expression. The knocked-in iCre or CreERT2 lines were used for lineage tracing, which suggested that nkx6.1 + cells are multipotent pancreatic progenitors that gradually restrict to the bipotent duct, whereas id2a + cells are multipotent in both liver and pancreas and gradually restrict to ductal cells. In addition, the hepatic id2a + duct show progenitor properties upon extreme hepatocyte loss. Thus, we present an efficient and straightforward knock-in technique with widespread use for cellular labelling and lineage tracing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiarui Mi
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Olov Andersson
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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32
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Rizvi F, Lee YR, Diaz-Aragon R, So J, Florentino RM, Smith AR, Everton E, Ostrowska A, Jung K, Tam Y, Muramatsu H, Pardi N, Weissman D, Soto-Gutierrez A, Shin D, Gouon-Evans V. VEGFA mRNA-LNP promotes biliary epithelial cell-to-hepatocyte conversion in acute and chronic liver diseases and reverses steatosis and fibrosis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.17.537186. [PMID: 37131823 PMCID: PMC10153196 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.17.537186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The liver is known for its remarkable regenerative ability through proliferation of hepatocytes. Yet, during chronic injury or severe hepatocyte death, proliferation of hepatocytes is exhausted. To overcome this hurdle, we propose vascular-endothelial-growth-factor A (VEGFA) as a therapeutic means to accelerate biliary epithelial cell (BEC)-to-hepatocyte conversion. Investigation in zebrafish establishes that blocking VEGF receptors abrogates BEC-driven liver repair, while VEGFA overexpression promotes it. Delivery of VEGFA via non-integrative and safe nucleoside-modified mRNA encapsulated into lipid-nanoparticles (mRNA-LNP) in acutely or chronically injured mouse livers induces robust BEC-to-hepatocyte conversion and reversion of steatosis and fibrosis. In human and murine diseased livers, we further identified VEGFA-receptor KDR-expressing BECs associated with KDR-expressing cell-derived hepatocytes. This defines KDR-expressing cells, most likely being BECs, as facultative progenitors. This study reveals novel therapeutic benefits of VEGFA delivered via nucleoside-modified mRNA-LNP, whose safety is widely validated with COVID-19 vaccines, for harnessing BEC-driven repair to potentially treat liver diseases. Highlights Complementary mouse and zebrafish models of liver injury demonstrate the therapeutic impact of VEGFA-KDR axis activation to harness BEC-driven liver regeneration.VEGFA mRNA LNPs restore two key features of the chronic liver disease in humans such as steatosis and fibrosis.Identification in human cirrhotic ESLD livers of KDR-expressing BECs adjacent to clusters of KDR+ hepatocytes suggesting their BEC origin.KDR-expressing BECs may represent facultative adult progenitor cells, a unique BEC population that has yet been uncovered.
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33
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Song J, Ma J, Liu X, Huang Z, Li L, Li L, Luo L, Ni R, He J. The MRN complex maintains the biliary-derived hepatocytes in liver regeneration through ATR-Chk1 pathway. NPJ Regen Med 2023; 8:20. [PMID: 37024481 PMCID: PMC10079969 DOI: 10.1038/s41536-023-00294-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
When the proliferation of residual hepatocytes is prohibited, biliary epithelial cells (BECs) transdifferentiate into nascent hepatocytes to accomplish liver regeneration. Despite significant interest in transdifferentiation, little is known about the maintenance of nascent hepatocytes in post-injured environments. Here, we perform an N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) forward genetic screen and identify a mutant containing a nonsense mutation in the gene nibrin (nbn), which encodes a component of the Mre11-Rad50-Nbn (MRN) complex that activates DNA damage response (DDR). The regenerated hepatocytes cannot be maintained and exhibit apoptosis in the mutant. Mechanistically, the nbn mutation results in the abrogation of ATR-Chk1 signaling and accumulations of DNA damage in nascent hepatocytes, which eventually induces p53-mediated apoptosis. Furthermore, loss of rad50 or mre11a shows similar phenotypes. This study reveals that the activation of DDR by the MRN complex is essential for the survival of BEC-derived hepatocytes, addressing how to maintain nascent hepatocytes in the post-injured environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingmei Song
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Jianlong Ma
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Xing Liu
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhuofu Huang
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Lianghui Li
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Linke Li
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Lingfei Luo
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Rui Ni
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China.
| | - Jianbo He
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China.
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34
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Jia K, Xiong H, Yuan W, Huang L, Xu J, Lu C, Hu Y, Huang K, Luo Q, Ma J, Lu H. Diflovidazin damages the hematopoietic stem cells to zebrafish embryos via the TLR4/ NF-κB/ p53 pathway. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 135:108672. [PMID: 36893927 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2023.108672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to environmental contaminants frequently induces the occurrence of blood diseases, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are scarcely known. The toxicity of Diflovidazin (DFD), a widely used mite-remover, to the blood system of non-target organisms requires urgent elucidation. To investigate the deleterious effects of DFD (2, 2.5, and 3 mg/L) on the development and survive of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), the zebrafish model was used in this study. DFD exposure reduced the number of HSCs and their subtypes, including macrophages, neutrophils, thymus T-cells, erythrocytes, and platelets. The significant changes in the abnormal apoptosis and differentiation of HSCs were the major reasons for the reduction in blood cells. Using small-molecule antagonists and p53 morpholino revealed that the NF-κB/p53 pathway was responsible for the apoptosis of HSCs upon DFD exposure. The restoration results attributed to the TLR4 inhibitor and molecular docking showed that the TLR4 protein, which was upstream of NF-κB signaling, played a vital role in DFD toxicology. This study elucidates the role and molecular mechanism of DFD in damaging zebrafish HSCs. It provides a theoretical basis for the occurrence of various blood diseases in zebrafish and other organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Jia
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory for Drug Screening and Discovery, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Haibin Xiong
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory for Drug Screening and Discovery, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Wei Yuan
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory for Drug Screening and Discovery, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Lirong Huang
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory for Drug Screening and Discovery, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jiaxin Xu
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory for Drug Screening and Discovery, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Chen Lu
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory for Drug Screening and Discovery, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Ying Hu
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory for Drug Screening and Discovery, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Kaijie Huang
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory for Drug Screening and Discovery, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Qiang Luo
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory for Drug Screening and Discovery, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jinze Ma
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory for Drug Screening and Discovery, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Huiqiang Lu
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory for Drug Screening and Discovery, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, China; Jiangxi Engineering Laboratory of Zebrafish Modeling and Drug Screening for Human Diseases, Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Organs, Affiliated Hospital of Jinggangshan University, Ji'an, 343009, China.
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35
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Liu H, Yue Y, Xu Z, Guo L, Wu C, Zhang D, Luo L, Huang W, Chen H, Yang D. mTORC1 signaling pathway regulates tooth repair. Int J Oral Sci 2023; 15:14. [PMID: 36927863 PMCID: PMC10020452 DOI: 10.1038/s41368-023-00218-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Tooth germ injury can lead to abnormal tooth development and even tooth loss, affecting various aspects of the stomatognathic system including form, function, and appearance. However, the research about tooth germ injury model on cellular and molecule mechanism of tooth germ repair is still very limited. Therefore, it is of great importance for the prevention and treatment of tooth germ injury to study the important mechanism of tooth germ repair by a tooth germ injury model. Here, we constructed a Tg(dlx2b:Dendra2-NTR) transgenic line that labeled tooth germ specifically. Taking advantage of the NTR/Mtz system, the dlx2b+ tooth germ cells were depleted by Mtz effectively. The process of tooth germ repair was evaluated by antibody staining, in situ hybridization, EdU staining and alizarin red staining. The severely injured tooth germ was repaired in several days after Mtz treatment was stopped. In the early stage of tooth germ repair, the expression of phosphorylated 4E-BP1 was increased, indicating that mTORC1 is activated. Inhibition of mTORC1 signaling in vitro or knockdown of mTORC1 signaling in vivo could inhibit the repair of injured tooth germ. Normally, mouse incisors were repaired after damage, but inhibition/promotion of mTORC1 signaling inhibited/promoted this repair progress. Overall, we are the first to construct a stable and repeatable repair model of severe tooth germ injury, and our results reveal that mTORC1 signaling plays a crucial role during tooth germ repair, providing a potential target for clinical treatment of tooth germ injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honghong Liu
- Department of Endodontics, Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing, China
| | - Yu Yue
- Department of Endodontics, Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhiyun Xu
- Department of Endodontics, Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing, China
| | - Li Guo
- Department of Endodontics, Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing, China
| | - Chuan Wu
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Da Zhang
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lingfei Luo
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wenming Huang
- Department of Endodontics, Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong Chen
- Department of Endodontics, Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing, China
| | - Deqin Yang
- Department of Endodontics, Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China. .,Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China. .,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing, China. .,Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing, China.
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36
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Pu W, Zhu H, Zhang M, Pikiolek M, Ercan C, Li J, Huang X, Han X, Zhang Z, Lv Z, Li Y, Liu K, He L, Liu X, Heim MH, Terracciano LM, Tchorz JS, Zhou B. Bipotent transitional liver progenitor cells contribute to liver regeneration. Nat Genet 2023; 55:651-664. [PMID: 36914834 PMCID: PMC10101857 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-023-01335-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Following severe liver injury, when hepatocyte-mediated regeneration is impaired, biliary epithelial cells (BECs) can transdifferentiate into functional hepatocytes. However, the subset of BECs with such facultative tissue stem cell potential, as well as the mechanisms enabling transdifferentiation, remains elusive. Here we identify a transitional liver progenitor cell (TLPC), which originates from BECs and differentiates into hepatocytes during regeneration from severe liver injury. By applying a dual genetic lineage tracing approach, we specifically labeled TLPCs and found that they are bipotent, as they either differentiate into hepatocytes or re-adopt BEC fate. Mechanistically, Notch and Wnt/β-catenin signaling orchestrate BEC-to-TLPC and TLPC-to-hepatocyte conversions, respectively. Together, our study provides functional and mechanistic insights into transdifferentiation-assisted liver regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjuan Pu
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Huan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingjun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Monika Pikiolek
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Caner Ercan
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jie Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiuzhen Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Ximeng Han
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenqian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Zan Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Kuo Liu
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lingjuan He
- School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiuxiu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Markus H Heim
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Clarunis University Center for Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Luigi M Terracciano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy.,IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Jan S Tchorz
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Bin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China. .,Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China. .,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China. .,New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Shenzhen, China.
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37
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Yan ZJ, Chen L, Wang HY. To be or not to be: The double-edged sword roles of liver progenitor cells. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188870. [PMID: 36842766 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2023]
Abstract
Given the liver's remarkable and unique regenerative capacity, researchers have long focused on liver progenitor cells (LPCs) and liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs). LPCs can differentiate into both hepatocytes and cholangiocytes. However, the mechanism underlying cell conversion and its distinct contribution to liver homeostasis and tumorigenesis remain unclear. In this review, we discuss the complicated conversions involving LPCs and LCSCs. As the critical intermediate state in malignant transformation, LPCs play double-edged sword roles. LPCs are not only involved in hepatic wound-healing responses by supplementing liver cells and bile duct cells in the damaged liver but may transform into LCSCs under dysregulation of key signaling pathways, resulting in refractory malignant liver tumors. Because LPC lineages are temporally and spatially dynamic, we discuss crucial LPC subgroups and summarize regulatory factors correlating with the trajectories of LPCs and LCSCs in the liver tumor microenvironment. This review elaborates on the double-edged sword roles of LPCs to help understand the liver's regenerative potential and tumor heterogeneity. Understanding the sources and transformations of LPCs is essential in determining how to exploit their regenerative capacity in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Jun Yan
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital/National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai 200438, PR China; Key Laboratory of Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer (SMMU), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200438, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Tumor Biology (EHBH), Shanghai 200438, PR China
| | - Lei Chen
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital/National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai 200438, PR China; Key Laboratory of Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer (SMMU), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200438, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Tumor Biology (EHBH), Shanghai 200438, PR China.
| | - Hong-Yang Wang
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital/National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai 200438, PR China; Key Laboratory of Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer (SMMU), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200438, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Tumor Biology (EHBH), Shanghai 200438, PR China.
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38
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Rigual MDM, Sánchez Sánchez P, Djouder N. Is liver regeneration key in hepatocellular carcinoma development? Trends Cancer 2023; 9:140-157. [PMID: 36347768 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2022.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The liver is the largest organ of the mammalian body and has the remarkable ability to fully regenerate in order to maintain tissue homeostasis. The adult liver consists of hexagonal lobules, each with a central vein surrounded by six portal triads localized in the lobule border containing distinct parenchymal and nonparenchymal cells. Because the liver is continuously exposed to diverse stress signals, several sophisticated regenerative processes exist to restore its functional status following impairment. However, these stress signals can affect the liver's capacity to regenerate and may lead to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one of the most aggressive liver cancers. Here, we review the mechanisms of hepatic regeneration and their potential to influence HCC development.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Del Mar Rigual
- Molecular Oncology Programme, Growth Factors, Nutrients and Cancer Group, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas, CNIO, Madrid, ES-28029, Spain
| | - Paula Sánchez Sánchez
- Molecular Oncology Programme, Growth Factors, Nutrients and Cancer Group, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas, CNIO, Madrid, ES-28029, Spain
| | - Nabil Djouder
- Molecular Oncology Programme, Growth Factors, Nutrients and Cancer Group, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas, CNIO, Madrid, ES-28029, Spain.
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39
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Kim M, Rizvi F, Shin D, Gouon-Evans V. Update on Hepatobiliary Plasticity. Semin Liver Dis 2023; 43:13-23. [PMID: 36764306 PMCID: PMC10005859 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1760306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
The liver field has been debating for decades the contribution of the plasticity of the two epithelial compartments in the liver, hepatocytes and biliary epithelial cells (BECs), to derive each other as a repair mechanism. The hepatobiliary plasticity has been first observed in diseased human livers by the presence of biphenotypic cells expressing hepatocyte and BEC markers within bile ducts and regenerative nodules or budding from strings of proliferative BECs in septa. These observations are not surprising as hepatocytes and BECs derive from a common fetal progenitor, the hepatoblast, and, as such, they are expected to compensate for each other's loss in adults. To investigate the cell origin of regenerated cell compartments and associated molecular mechanisms, numerous murine and zebrafish models with ability to trace cell fates have been extensively developed. This short review summarizes the clinical and preclinical studies illustrating the hepatobiliary plasticity and its potential therapeutic application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minwook Kim
- Department of Developmental Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Fatima Rizvi
- Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology Section, Center for Regenerative Medicine, Boston University and Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Donghun Shin
- Department of Developmental Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Valerie Gouon-Evans
- Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology Section, Center for Regenerative Medicine, Boston University and Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
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40
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Little A, Medford A, O'Brien A, Childs J, Pan S, Machado J, Chakraborty S, Glaser S. Recent Advances in Intrahepatic Biliary Epithelial Heterogeneity. Semin Liver Dis 2023; 43:1-12. [PMID: 36522162 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1758833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Biliary epithelium (i.e., cholangiocytes) is a heterogeneous population of epithelial cells in the liver, which line small and large bile ducts and have individual responses and functions dependent on size and location in the biliary tract. We discuss the recent findings showing that the intrahepatic biliary tree is heterogeneous regarding (1) morphology and function, (2) hormone expression and signaling (3), response to injury, and (4) roles in liver regeneration. This review overviews the significant characteristics and differences of the small and large cholangiocytes. Briefly, it outlines the in vitro and in vivo models used in the heterogeneity evaluation. In conclusion, future studies addressing biliary heterogeneity's role in the pathogenesis of liver diseases characterized by ductular reaction may reveal novel therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashleigh Little
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, Bryan, Texas
| | - Abigail Medford
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, Bryan, Texas
| | - April O'Brien
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, Bryan, Texas
| | - Jonathan Childs
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, Bryan, Texas
| | - Sharon Pan
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, Bryan, Texas
| | - Jolaine Machado
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, Bryan, Texas
| | - Sanjukta Chakraborty
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, Bryan, Texas
| | - Shannon Glaser
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, Bryan, Texas
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41
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Oderberg IM, Goessling W. Biliary epithelial cells are facultative liver stem cells during liver regeneration in adult zebrafish. JCI Insight 2023; 8:163929. [PMID: 36625346 PMCID: PMC9870093 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.163929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver is a highly regenerative organ, yet the presence of a dedicated stem cell population remains controversial. Here, we interrogate a severe hepatocyte injury model in adult zebrafish to define that regeneration involves a stem cell population. After near-total hepatocyte ablation, single-cell transcriptomic and high-resolution imaging analyses throughout the entire regenerative timeline reveal that biliary epithelial cells undergo transcriptional and morphological changes to become hepatocytes. As a population, biliary epithelial cells give rise to both hepatocytes and biliary epithelial cells. Biliary epithelial cells proliferate and dedifferentiate to express hepatoblast transcription factors prior to hepatocyte differentiation. This process is characterized by increased MAPK, PI3K, and mTOR signaling, and chemical inhibition of these pathways impairs biliary epithelial cell proliferation and fate conversion. We conclude that, upon severe hepatocyte ablation in the adult liver, biliary epithelial cells act as facultative liver stem cells in an EGFR-PI3K-mTOR-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac M. Oderberg
- Division of Genetics, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Wolfram Goessling
- Division of Genetics, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts USA.,Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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42
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Di-Iacovo N, Pieroni S, Piobbico D, Castelli M, Scopetti D, Ferracchiato S, Della-Fazia MA, Servillo G. Liver Regeneration and Immunity: A Tale to Tell. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:1176. [PMID: 36674692 PMCID: PMC9864482 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The physiological importance of the liver is demonstrated by its unique and essential ability to regenerate following extensive injuries affecting its function. By regenerating, the liver reacts to hepatic damage and thus enables homeostasis to be restored. The aim of this review is to add new findings that integrate the regenerative pathway to the current knowledge. An optimal regeneration is achieved through the integration of two main pathways: IL-6/JAK/STAT3, which promotes hepatocyte proliferation, and PI3K/PDK1/Akt, which in turn enhances cell growth. Proliferation and cell growth are events that must be balanced during the three phases of the regenerative process: initiation, proliferation and termination. Achieving the correct liver/body weight ratio is ensured by several pathways as extracellular matrix signalling, apoptosis through caspase-3 activation, and molecules including transforming growth factor-beta, and cyclic adenosine monophosphate. The actors involved in the regenerative process are numerous and many of them are also pivotal players in both the immune and non-immune inflammatory process, that is observed in the early stages of hepatic regeneration. Balance of Th17/Treg is important in liver inflammatory process outcomes. Knowledge of liver regeneration will allow a more detailed characterisation of the molecular mechanisms that are crucial in the interplay between proliferation and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Di-Iacovo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Piazzale L. Severi 1, 06129 Perugia, Italy
| | - Stefania Pieroni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Piazzale L. Severi 1, 06129 Perugia, Italy
| | - Danilo Piobbico
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Piazzale L. Severi 1, 06129 Perugia, Italy
| | - Marilena Castelli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Piazzale L. Severi 1, 06129 Perugia, Italy
| | - Damiano Scopetti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Piazzale L. Severi 1, 06129 Perugia, Italy
| | - Simona Ferracchiato
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Piazzale L. Severi 1, 06129 Perugia, Italy
| | - Maria Agnese Della-Fazia
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Piazzale L. Severi 1, 06129 Perugia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Servillo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Piazzale L. Severi 1, 06129 Perugia, Italy
- Centro Universitario di Ricerca sulla Genomica Funzionale (C.U.R.Ge.F.), University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
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43
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Kim M, Delgado E, Ko S. DNA methylation in cell plasticity and malignant transformation in liver diseases. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 241:108334. [PMID: 36535346 PMCID: PMC9841769 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The liver possesses extraordinary regenerative capacity mainly attributable to the ability of hepatocytes (HCs) and biliary epithelial cells (BECs) to self-replicate. This ability is left over from their bipotent parent cell, the hepatoblast, during development. When this innate regeneration is compromised due to the absence of proliferative parenchymal cells, such as during cirrhosis, HCs and BEC can transdifferentiate; thus, adding another layer of complexity to the process of liver repair. In addition, dysregulated lineage maintenance in these two cell populations has been shown to promote malignant growth in experimental conditions. Here, malignant transformation, driven in part by insufficient maintenance of lineage reprogramming, contributes to end-stage liver disease. Epigenetic changes are key drivers for cell fate decisions as well as transformation by finetuning overall transcription and gene expression. In this review, we address how altered DNA methylation contributes to the initiation and progression of hepatic cell fate conversion and cancer formation. We also discussed the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of targeting DNA methylation in liver cancer, its current limitations, and what future research is necessary to facilitate its contribution to clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minwook Kim
- Department of Developmental Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
| | - Evan Delgado
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America; Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
| | - Sungjin Ko
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America; Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America.
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44
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Guru A, Manjunathan T, Sudhakaran G, Juliet A, Gopinath P, Arockiaraj J. 6-Gingerdione Reduces Apoptotic Conditions in HepG2 Cells and Inhibits Inflammatory Cytokine Gene Expression in Alcoholic Liver Injured Zebrafish Larvae. Chem Biodivers 2023; 20:e202200959. [PMID: 36574474 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202200959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Antioxidant natural products and their analogs especially phenolic compounds, exhibit diverse biological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer activities. Ginger which is widely used worldwide for various beneficial effects also contains several phenolic antioxidants, and 6-gingerol is one of the natural products studied extensively. However, the molecular mechanism of synthetically synthesized 6-gingerdione (compound 1) from 6-gingerol was not known. In this study, compound 1 and methylated 6-gingerdione (compound 2) were obtained semi synthetically from 6-gingerol. Compound 1 and 2 are subjected to SwissADME prediction. Then the protective effect of compound 1 was analyzed in 2 % EtOH induced HepG2 cells and zebrafish larvae. Hydroxyl and nitric oxide scavenging assays reveal that compound 1 showed more antioxidant activity than compound 2 at 50 μM. Moreover, compound 1 exhibited good anti-inflammatory activity via lipoxygenase inhibition and proteinase inhibition. Apoptosis and oxidative stress in HepG2 cells were induced by 2 % EtOH and treated with compound 1. Compound 1 significantly inhibited the EtOH induced nitric oxide production, apoptosis, and ROS generation in HepG2 cells. Encouraged by the in-vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, compound 1 was then investigated for its protective effect in 2 % EtOH induced ALD zebrafish larva. Compound 1 protected the zebrafish larvae from liver injury by suppressing inflammatory (COX-2, TNF-α, and IL-1β) and lipogenic genes (C/EBP-α, SREBP1, and IL-1β) while upregulating the antioxidant gene. Our findings indicate that compound 1 synthesized from 6-gingerol ameliorated liver injury that likely, contributes to its potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Guru
- Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, SIMATS, Chennai 600 077, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Tamilvelan Manjunathan
- Department of Chemistry, College of Engineering and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur 603 203, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Gokul Sudhakaran
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Science and Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur 603 203, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Annie Juliet
- Foundation for Aquaculture Innovations and Technology Transfer (FAITT), Thoraipakkam, Chennai 600 097, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Pushparathinam Gopinath
- Department of Chemistry, College of Engineering and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur 603 203, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Jesu Arockiaraj
- Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, SIMATS, Chennai 600 077, Tamil Nadu, India
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45
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Jalan-Sakrikar N, Brevini T, Huebert RC, Sampaziotis F. Organoids and regenerative hepatology. Hepatology 2023; 77:305-322. [PMID: 35596930 PMCID: PMC9676408 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The burden of liver diseases is increasing worldwide, with liver transplantation remaining the only treatment option for end-stage liver disease. Regenerative medicine holds great potential as a therapeutic alternative, aiming to repair or replace damaged liver tissue with healthy functional cells. The properties of the cells used are critical for the efficacy of this approach. The advent of liver organoids has not only offered new insights into human physiology and pathophysiology, but also provided an optimal source of cells for regenerative medicine and translational applications. Here, we discuss various historical aspects of 3D organoid culture, how it has been applied to the hepatobiliary system, and how organoid technology intersects with the emerging global field of liver regenerative medicine. We outline the hepatocyte, cholangiocyte, and nonparenchymal organoids systems available and discuss their advantages and limitations for regenerative medicine as well as future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nidhi Jalan-Sakrikar
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic and Foundation, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
- Gastroenterology Research Unit, Mayo Clinic and Foundation, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Teresa Brevini
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Robert C. Huebert
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic and Foundation, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
- Gastroenterology Research Unit, Mayo Clinic and Foundation, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Fotios Sampaziotis
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Cambridge Liver Unit, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
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46
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Yang Y, Li Y, Fu J, Li Y, Li S, Ni R, Yang Q, Luo L. Intestinal precursors avoid being misinduced to liver cells by activating Cdx-Wnt inhibition cascade. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2205110119. [PMID: 36396123 PMCID: PMC9659337 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2205110119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
During coordinated development of two neighboring organs from the same germ layer, how precursors of one organ resist the inductive signals of the other to avoid being misinduced to wrong cell fate remains a general question in developmental biology. The liver and anterior intestinal precursors located in close proximity along the gut axis represent a typical example. Here we identify a zebrafish leberwurst (lbw) mutant with a unique hepatized intestine phenotype, exhibiting replacement of anterior intestinal cells by liver cells. lbw encodes the Cdx1b homeoprotein, which is specifically expressed in the intestine, and its precursor cells. Mechanistically, in the intestinal precursors, Cdx1b binds to genomic DNA at the regulatory region of secreted frizzled related protein 5 (sfrp5) to activate sfrp5 transcription. Sfrp5 blocks the mesoderm-derived, liver-inductive Wnt2bb signal, thus conferring intestinal precursor cells resistance to Wnt2bb. These results demonstrate that the intestinal precursors avoid being misinduced toward hepatic lineages through the activation of the Cdx1b-Sfrp5 cascade, implicating Cdx/Sfrp5 as a potential pharmacological target for the manipulation of intestinal-hepatic bifurcations, and shedding light on the general question of how precursor cells resist incorrect inductive signals during embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Yang
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, 400715 Chongqing, China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, 400715 Chongqing, China
| | - Jialong Fu
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, 400715 Chongqing, China
| | - Yanfeng Li
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, 400715 Chongqing, China
| | - Shuang Li
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, 400715 Chongqing, China
| | - Rui Ni
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, 400715 Chongqing, China
| | - Qifen Yang
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, 400715 Chongqing, China
| | - Lingfei Luo
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, 400715 Chongqing, China
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47
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Shu W, Yang M, Yang J, Lin S, Wei X, Xu X. Cellular crosstalk during liver regeneration: unity in diversity. Cell Commun Signal 2022; 20:117. [PMID: 35941604 PMCID: PMC9358812 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-022-00918-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The liver is unique in its ability to regenerate from a wide range of injuries and diseases. Liver regeneration centers around hepatocyte proliferation and requires the coordinated actions of nonparenchymal cells, including biliary epithelial cells, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, hepatic stellate cells and kupffer cells. Interactions among various hepatocyte and nonparenchymal cells populations constitute a sophisticated regulatory network that restores liver mass and function. In addition, there are two different ways of liver regeneration, self-replication of liver epithelial cells and transdifferentiation between liver epithelial cells. The interactions among cell populations and regenerative microenvironment in the two modes are distinct. Herein, we first review recent advances in the interactions between hepatocytes and surrounding cells and among nonparenchymal cells in the context of liver epithelial cell self-replication. Next, we discuss the crosstalk of several cell types in the context of liver epithelial transdifferentiation, which is also crucial for liver regeneration. Video abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenzhi Shu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China.,Institute of Organ Transplantation, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, 310003, China.,Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, 310024, China.,Program in Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengfan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China.,Institute of Organ Transplantation, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, 310003, China.,Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, 310024, China
| | - Jiayin Yang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Shengda Lin
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xuyong Wei
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China. .,Institute of Organ Transplantation, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China. .,NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, 310003, China. .,Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, 310024, China.
| | - Xiao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China. .,Institute of Organ Transplantation, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China. .,NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, 310003, China. .,Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, 310024, China.
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48
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Wang W, Chen D, Wang J, Wen L. Cellular Homeostasis and Repair in the Biliary Tree. Semin Liver Dis 2022; 42:271-282. [PMID: 35672015 DOI: 10.1055/a-1869-7714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
During biliary tree homeostasis, BECs are largely in a quiescent state and their turnover is slow for maintaining normal tissue homeostasis. BTSCs continually replenish new BECs in the luminal surface of EHBDs. In response to various types of biliary injuries, distinct cellular sources, including HPCs, BTSCs, hepatocytes, and BECs, repair or regenerate the injured bile duct. BEC, biliary epithelial cell; BTSC, biliary tree stem/progenitor cell; EHBD, extrahepatic bile ducts; HPC, hepatic progenitor cell.The biliary tree comprises intrahepatic bile ducts and extrahepatic bile ducts lined with epithelial cells known as biliary epithelial cells (BECs). BECs are a common target of various cholangiopathies for which there is an unmet therapeutic need in clinical hepatology. The repair and regeneration of biliary tissue may potentially restore the normal architecture and function of the biliary tree. Hence, the repair and regeneration process in detail, including the replication of existing BECs, expansion and differentiation of the hepatic progenitor cells and biliary tree stem/progenitor cells, and transdifferentiation of the hepatocytes, should be understood. In this paper, we review biliary tree homeostasis, repair, and regeneration and discuss the feasibility of regenerative therapy strategies for cholangiopathy treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dongfeng Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Liangzhi Wen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
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49
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Jagtap U, Basu S, Lokhande L, Bharti N, Sachidanandan C. BML-257, a Small Molecule that Protects against Drug-Induced Liver Injury in Zebrafish. Chem Res Toxicol 2022; 35:1393-1399. [PMID: 35796757 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.2c00100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The use of many essential drugs is restricted due to their deleterious effects on the liver. Molecules that can prevent or protect the liver from drug-induced liver injury (DILI) would be invaluable in such situations. We used a transgenic line in zebrafish with a hepatocyte-specific expression of bacterial nitroreductase to cause temporally controlled liver damage. A whole organism-based chemical screen using the transgenic line identified BML-257, a potent small molecule AKT inhibitor, that protected the liver against metronidazole-induced liver injury. BML-257 also showed potent prophylactic and pro-regenerative activity in this liver damage model. BML-257 was tested in two independent toxicological models of liver injury caused by acetaminophen and isoniazid and was found to be protective against damage. This suggests that BML-257 has the potential to protect against multiple kinds of DILI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urmila Jagtap
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB), South Campus, New Delhi 110025, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201002, India
| | - Sandeep Basu
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB), South Campus, New Delhi 110025, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201002, India
| | - Lavanya Lokhande
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB), South Campus, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Nikhil Bharti
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB), South Campus, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Chetana Sachidanandan
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB), South Campus, New Delhi 110025, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201002, India
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50
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Chen J, He J, Luo L. Brain vascular damage-induced lymphatic ingrowth is directed by Cxcl12b/Cxcr4a. Development 2022; 149:275687. [PMID: 35694896 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
After ischemic stroke, promotion of vascular regeneration without causing uncontrolled vessel growth appears to be the major challenge for pro-angiogenic therapies. The molecular mechanisms underlying how nascent blood vessels (BVs) are correctly guided into the post-ischemic infarction area remain unknown. Here, using a zebrafish cerebrovascular injury model, we show that chemokine signaling provides crucial guidance cues to determine the growing direction of ingrown lymphatic vessels (iLVs) and, in turn, that of nascent BVs. The chemokine receptor Cxcr4a is transcriptionally activated in the iLVs after injury, whereas its ligand Cxcl12b is expressed in the residual central BVs, the destinations of iLV ingrowth. Mutant and mosaic studies indicate that Cxcl12b/Cxcr4a-mediated chemotaxis is necessary and sufficient to determine the growing direction of iLVs and nascent BVs. This study provides a molecular basis for how the vessel directionality of cerebrovascular regeneration is properly determined, suggesting potential application of Cxcl12b/Cxcr4a in the development of post-ischemic pro-angiogenic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingying Chen
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, 400715 Chongqing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chongqing), Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beibei, 400714 Chongqing, China
| | - Jianbo He
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, 400715 Chongqing, China
| | - Lingfei Luo
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, 400715 Chongqing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chongqing), Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beibei, 400714 Chongqing, China
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